Alupe University Holds its First Graduation, Students to Be Prioritized in County Bursaries
Ezekiel Machogu, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, has advised university graduates to use their acquired talents and intellectual prowess to better the living conditions of their communities.
CS emphasized that graduates have the potential to accomplish what is necessary to address present and future problems; hence, they must embrace their new beginning and be prepared to take on any responsibility.
In a speech read on his behalf by a senior Education Officer, Nereah Olik, at Alupe University’s inaugural commencement ceremony in Teso South Sub-county on Wednesday, Machogu exhorted the graduates to be prepared to improve the lives of their communities.
“Play your part and make a better future for your families, communities and this nation,” CS encouraged.
Machogu assured government assistance to the Institution so that many more students might gain access to and benefit from higher education opportunities.
Paul Otuoma, the governor of Busia, advised university graduates to be prepared to provide the county with the skilled labor it needs to stimulate growth.
Otuoma stated that the County was seeking qualified personnel to address its health issues.
“Sometimes we talk of employment, but we need to employ people with the right skills,’ he said.
He noted that the County’s healthcare sector presents a significant issue, noting that the system has neglected the county’s young population.
“In Busia currently, we have the highest number of malnourished and stunted children both physically and mentally,” he said, expressing confidence that the pioneer graduates will help solve the problem.
The Governor stated that his administration will collaborate with the national government to promote healthcare in the county.
“Alupe was one of the major centers in research on leprosy, not just in Kenya, but in Central and East Africa,’ he said.
Otuoma stated that Kenya faces a significant food security concern and that universities should assist in developing local solutions for the citizens of Busia.
“Giving fertilizer alone will not solve our problems, we need to till our land , we need extension officers to show our people the best practices in Agriculture, so that Busia can no longer be a food deficit County, as we are currently,’’ he said.
In addition, he stated that his administration is in the process of partnering with the national government on the affordable housing initiative, adding that Alupe would be a part of the cooperation due to its existing staff.
“I’m also aware that some of the challenges our community is facing in terms of school fees and we are also looking forward to cooperating with institutions, parents and the community, to ensure that we have bursaries and scholarships, that are running seamlessly, so that no child is denied opportunity to a better education, ’ he said.
The Governor went on to say that his administration is eager to give internships to Alupe University alumni.
“We will prioritize these students when offering internships, because we believe most of them will be able to help us solve our problems,” he said.
Otuoma also indicated that his administration is in contact with the national government and the local elected leadership regarding how to fix the institution’s infrastructure issues.
Papa Emor mor Sande Emolot, the Teso Cultural Leader, asked the local leaders to encourage their children to take advantage of the Institution’s courses by applying.
“Alupe University borders Uganda and I want to appeal to all our clan leaders to encourage community members from both countries, to enroll more students in this facility,’ he said, adding that it will be easy for local students to study and go home hence cutting on costs.
Emolot challenged the locals to abandon the mentality of seeking for higher education in distant locales, such as the University of Nairobi, when it is available at their doorsteps.
Fabian Esamai, vice chancellor of Alupe University, stated that the institution has a promising future but need financial support.
On this day, 76 students received their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in social sciences, Education, health science, technology, and engineering.
Alupe University Holds its First Graduation, Students to Be Prioritized in County Bursaries